Lead Director of Photography

Intuitive•Sunnyvale, CA

About The Position

The Lead Director of Photography is a hands-on creative and craft leader within Intuitive’s Studio, advancing the visual language of moving image, motion, and photography across Brand & Creative. The role spans creative development and execution: shaping how projects should look and feel, then helping bring that vision to life behind the camera. The Lead DP partners with designers, art directors, writers, producers, editors, motion designers, and, as needed, strategy and social teams, contributing as a creative peer to senior creative talent and executive creative leadership. The role also develops Studio’s photography practice, shoots high-end photography on select assignments, and raises standards across the team without directly managing photographers. The Lead DP leads cinematography across Studio productions, owns camera and lighting approaches, and may direct projects, talent, interviews, or scenes. They develop visual treatments and production materials, collaborate through post-production, and contribute hands-on editing support when needed. They also independently plan and execute smaller shoots, collaborate on larger productions, recommend production approaches appropriate to the assignment, and mentor teammates through their work. Approximately 20% travel is expected, depending on production needs.

Requirements

At least 12 years of experience.
Experience working in or closely with Brand & Creative teams.
A bachelor’s degree in film, design, media arts, communications, or an adjacent field, or equivalent professional experience.
A strong portfolio demonstrating accomplished cinematography, high-quality photography, and thoughtful visual storytelling; identify personal contributions to each project.
Deep practical knowledge of cameras, lenses, lighting, composition, movement, exposure, and image capture.
Ability to connect visual decisions to a story, audience, and creative idea.
Confidence and judgment to present ideas, lead a shoot, and collaborate as a peer with senior creative partners.
Ability to communicate visually through references, treatments, shot lists, storyboards, or sketches.
Working editing proficiency and understanding of editorial, motion, music, color, and finishing.
Resourcefulness across small independent assignments and larger productions.
Curiosity, initiative, reliability, and commitment to developing personal work and the people around them.
Low ego, openness to feedback regardless of its source, respect for others, and willingness to execute details and do hands-on work.

Responsibilities

Advance Studio’s visual language and approach to moving image, motion, and photography in partnership with Creative.
Contribute to projects from early development, translating ideas, stories, and brand objectives into distinct visual approaches.
Bring production craft into idea development and explore approaches to shooting, editing, lighting, composition, and motion.
Serve as lead DP across Studio productions, owning camera, lighting, lenses, composition, movement, coverage, and image capture.
Develop treatments, visual references, shot lists, and storyboards, including rough sketches when useful.
Direct projects, talent, interviews, or scenes when required by the assignment.
Lead camera and lighting crews with clear direction, preparation, and sound creative and technical judgment.
Adapt to changing conditions while protecting the story, creative intent, and quality of the work.
Shoot high-end photography on selected assignments and raise standards for lighting, composition, technique, and execution across Studio and partner-produced photography.
Improve photography workflows, equipment practices, and quality standards.
Guide and mentor teammates and external partners through constructive feedback and shared expertise.
Partner with editors and motion designers on structure, pacing, rhythm, movement, and sound; contribute hands-on editing support when needed.
Contribute to casting, music, editorial, color, and finishing on larger projects, remaining engaged through final delivery.
Independently plan and execute smaller shoots, including assignments without a dedicated producer.
Collaborate with creatives, producers, directors, agencies, production partners, and specialized crews on larger productions.
Recommend a production approach and scale suited to the idea, budget, schedule, and intended result.
Prepare thoroughly, solve problems resourcefully, and follow through on commitments.
Lead through the quality of work, clarity of ideas, and respectful treatment of others; share knowledge, mentor teammates, give useful feedback, welcome different perspectives, and share credit.
Contribute beyond individual assignments to improve Studio and Brand & Creative’s work and capabilities.